Policy: all are responsible for violence prevention

A new University policy says everyone on campus is responsible for maintaining a safe environment that is free of violence, threats and aggression.

"We all have a hand in preventing violence on campus," says Wendy Powell, senior human resources representative, who developed the policy with input from numerous U-M offices. "We have a safe work environment, (but) the best way to prevent violence is to act proactively."

The two-page policy, which was added to the Standard Practice Guide (SPG) last month (Violence in the University Community, #601.18 in the SPG), defines acts of violence and aggression as: any act that is physically assaulting; behavior or actions that would be interpreted by a reasonable person as carrying a potential for violence and/or acts of aggression; any act that threatens harm to another person or damage to property; domestic violence; and stalking (including electronic stalking).

People who see or suspect violent behavior are asked to seek emergency assistance by contacting the Department of Public Safety (DPS), Academic and Staff HR Services, the Office of Student Conflict Resolution, or professional counseling services.

The policy also includes Web sites for the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FASAP), the Sexual Assault and Prevention Awareness Program, and Student Affairs Counseling and Psychological Services.

Powell received input about the policy from many places, including the Office of the Vice President and General Counsel, the Incident Management Team, FASAP, DPS, the Center for the Education of Women, and Student Affairs.

The policy came about because many on campus wanted to draw attention to the issue, Powell says.

"We have always wanted to make the clear statement that violence is not tolerated," she says. Having an official statement in the SPG, she says, "sets forth the importance of the issue."

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